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News Release: Repair from broken water main to require W Burnside lane closures through next week

(October 31, 2013) – The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that repairs resulting from a water main break will require continued lane closures onWest Burnside Streetand the closure ofSW Fourth Avenueat least through next week.

A forecast of rain in the coming days will affect the work schedule.

The rupture of a 24-inch water main early Tuesday morning caused moisture to destabilize the ground below the surface ofW Burnside Streetand Fourth Avenueextending more than 20 feet from the location of the water main break. Electrical conduit damaged during the emergency water main repair will need to be replaced. Buried historic streetcar tracks are complicating attempts to assess the extent of damage and potential repairs.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue to assess the extent of the damage caused by the water main break,” said City Commissioner Steve Novick, who oversees the Portland Bureau of Transportation. “We thank the Water Bureau for its cooperation in getting Transportation Bureau crews to the scene as quickly as possible. Businesses in the area remain open, so if you have a favorite restaurant or watering hole, please go for a visit.”

Transportation maintenance crews are working with local partners, including electric utilities and city traffic signals experts, to assess damage to storm drains, underground power lines that serve traffic signals and streetlights and other infrastructure.

The traveling public is advised to use alternate routes if possible. Expect delays, travel cautiously and follow directions from flaggers.

The eastbound lanes of W Burnside are closed betweenBroadway and Third Avenue. Westbound lanes may at times need to be narrowed to one lane through this work zone. The northbound lanes onSW Fourth Avenuealso will remain closed atSW Ankeny Streetuntil the work is completed.

Detour routes and signage may change during the work.

Transportation officials added signage to the work zone late Wednesday and will continue to evaluate signage as needed in the coming days to help ease traffic through the area.